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NTSB Report
July 12, 1989 · Cessna 172H · N3269L
Hatton, ND
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 12, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Hatton, ND
Aircraft
Cessna 172H
Tail Number
N3269L
Operator
Grindland Ethan P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN89LA168
THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND AS THE PLT WAS MAKING A LOW PASS OVER A BEAN FIELD TO CHECK FOR GRASSHOPPERS. HE RPRTD THAT AS HE WAS APCHG THE FIELD FROM THE NORTH, THE ACFT CROSSED OVER A SHELTER BELT (TREES) WHICH WAS ABOUT 50 TO 60 FT TALL. THE PLT STATED THAT AS THE ACFT WAS DESCENDING OVER THE SHELTER BELT, 'IT FELT AS IF THE BOTTOM DROPPED OUT OF THE AIRPLANE.' HE PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE & THE ACFT STARTED TO RESPOND, BUT IT HIT THE GROUND IN A WINGS LEVEL, SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW ATTITUDE & WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED. THE PLT'S LAST MED CERT WAS DATED 2/6/87.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE ABOVE THE GROUND. THE TAILWIND, HIGH OBSTRUCTION (SHELTER BELT), AND DOWNDRAFT WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND AS THE PLT WAS MAKING A LOW PASS OVER A BEAN FIELD TO CHECK FOR GRASSHOPPERS. HE RPRTD THAT AS HE WAS APCHG THE FIELD FROM THE NORTH, THE ACFT CROSSED OVER A SHELTER BELT (TREES) WHICH WAS ABOUT 50 TO 60 FT TALL. THE PLT STATED THAT AS THE ACFT WAS DESCENDING OVER THE SHELTER BELT, 'IT FELT AS IF THE BOTTOM DROPPED OUT OF THE AIRPLANE.' HE PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE & THE ACFT STARTED TO RESPOND, BUT IT HIT THE GROUND IN A WINGS LEVEL, SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW ATTITUDE & WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED. THE PLT'S LAST MED CERT WAS DATED 2/6/87.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172H
Tail NumberN3269L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGrindland Ethan P
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:45
Weather SourceWFAC